title: Purpura fulminans.
abstract: Purpura fulminans is a rare disease that typically begins as a benign infectious process and subsequently progresses to severe sepsis, hypotension, purpura ecchymosis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. We present an unusual case of an adult who was seen initially with pneumococcal sepsis that subsequently developed into purpura fulminans with major extremity involvement. A multidisciplinary approach is needed in the treatment of this often catastrophic disease.
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Associates P.C., Detroit, Mich.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Singer
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Gorosh
mesh_terms: D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000209:etiology*; D005121:Extremities / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005734:Gangrene; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000150:complications; D011693:Purpura / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy